I recently had the privilege of co-leading a break-out session at the latest Long Hollow women’s event. Our session was called “The Great Awakening Begins With You!” What a title. The session focused on “going” at home, in your church, and into the world. There was a point in the session where the phrase “going” was used so much I started thinking about the pharmaceutical commercials for bladder issues. I had to suppress a giggle on stage. So in certain situations going equals funny. But in most situations going equals being sent and sometimes going even equals fear.
I encounter this fear on a daily basis as I chat with folks interested in our Long Hollow mission trips. Fear of planes, fear of dirt, fear of bugs, fear of disease, fear of loneliness, fear of inadequacy, fear for family, fear of money…. and on it goes. I have to suppress the desire to lay hands on these people and cast out the fear! Instead I pray silently and give words of encouragement. I speak truth, Isaiah 41: 13 “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
It is my prayer today that we would not let fear stand in the way of going. We are not inadequate, we are not ill-equipped. We represent the God of the Universe and he is asking us to go. He is promising to equip us! He is promising to be with us in the plane, in the orphanage, in the slums of the third world. He lives there. He dwells there, he loves the people there. He wants them as sons and daughters. Why do you think he asks us to go? So we will be changed? Yes. But more than that he wants us to show His love, to be His message.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
He will give us power. We only need to trust him. Let’s leave the “going” problems to the pharmaceutical companies.
-Erica
Erica,
I love what you wrote here. You are right. We are not ill-equipped and we are not inadequate for the job of “going”- wherever it may be. There are a million and one reasons to say no if we are looking at our own abilities, lack of abilities, failures, fears, etc. Thankfully, though, it is not about us. It is about HIM, and He has “blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Chr-st.” (Eph. 1:3) If G-d asks us to do something, He WILL provide the means for us to do it.
I’m learning daily that “going” is about much more than stepping on an airplane or starting a new job or becoming involved in a new outreach. It’s waking up each day and offering myself, for this day, to G-d. Sometimes, it’s hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute. And many times I fail, but He’s got it covered!
Keep encouraging people to step out!
Blessings,
Nancy Haney
(Vietnam)
Thanks for stopping by and sharing a great word Nancy! We have you and the family in our thoughts and prayers always.